Dual lumen infusion/aspiration catheter

Abstract

A catheter having an elongate body has a first lumen extending therethrough. A concave wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the concave wall is a wall of the first lumen. A first slit is formed in the concave wall. The first slit opens in response to decreased fluid pressure within the lumen so as to facilitate aspiration via the first lumen. Optionally, a first convex wall is formed in the body such that the first convex wall is a wall of the first lumen. A second slit is formed in the first convex wall. The second slit opens in response to increased fluid pressure within the first lumen so as to facilitate infusion via the first lumen. Optionally, a second lumen extends through a substantial portion of the body. A second convex wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the second convex wall is a wall of the second lumen. A third slit is formed in the second convex wall. The third slit opens in response to increased fluid pressure within the second lumen so as to facilitate infusion via the second lumen.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A catheter comprising: a) an elongate body having proximal and distal ends;   b) a first lumen extending through a substantial portion of said body;   c) a concave wall formed in said body, said concave wall being a wall of said first lumen;   d) a first slit formed in said concave wall; and   e) wherein said first slit opens in response to decreased fluid pressure within said first lumen so as to facilitate aspiration via said first lumen and closes in response to increased fluid pressure so as to prevent undesirable infusion via said first lumen.   
     
     
       2. The catheter as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a) a first convex wall formed in said body, said first convex wall being a wall of said first lumen;   b) a second slit formed in said first convex wall; and   c) wherein said second slit opens and said first slit closes in response to increased fluid pressure with said first lumen so as to facilitate infusion via said first lumen.   
     
     
       3. The catheter as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a) a second lumen extending through a substantial portion of said body;   b) a second convex wall formed in said body, said second convex wall being a wall of said second lumen;   c) a third slit formed in said second convex wall; and   d) wherein said third slit opens in response to increased fluid pressure within said second lumen so as to facilitate infusion via said second lumen.   
     
     
       4. The catheter as recited in claim 3 wherein said first slit is formed distal of said third slit. 
     
     
       5. The catheter as recited in claim 3 wherein said concave wall, said first convex wall, and said second convex wall are formed proximate the distal end of said body.